Last night, 19 May, the Soweto Theatre came alive with roars of laughter as 24 budding and talented comics from across the country took to the stage to give their best material within five minutes and from what we saw from the young comics, South African comedy is in good hands.
The comics took to the stage all in the hopes of being crowned the best newcomer at this year’s Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards (CCAs). As the first in a series of this year’s events rolled out by the CCAs, The Savanna Newcomer Showcase is a platform created by longstanding comedy partners Savanna Premium Cider and the Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards to give up-and-coming comedians their time to shine, and to give the industry an inkling of who to vote for.
“It’s a huge opportunity and I don’t take it for granted. I just want to enjoy the experience it doesn’t matter the outcome,” Waylene Beukes, one of the newcomers said.
READ: Check out SA’s best new comedy talent at this year’s Savanna Newcomer Showcase
This time around, the showcase was hosted by current Savanna Newcomer of the Year as well as Safta-winning comedian, Tsitsi Chiumya, who did not only show why he is on his way to becoming one of the country’s best comedic talent but also created an encouraging atmosphere for the budding comics.
“I understand what these guys are going through because I went through this recently, so I understand the nerves. Hosting it, for me, is making it possible for them to feel welcomed by the industry and just trying to open the small doors that I can and letting people in the nicest way possible,” Chiumya said.
For some of the comics, the showcase was the first big platform to showcase their craft. The showcase presented 24 new comedic voices and strengthened Savanna’s involvement in SA’s comedy scene and continues to push the envelope for burgeoning talents in the relatively small industry.
“It feels good being part of the showcase, it’s my first time being here and just being here and to see so many people and encouraging comedians is a great feeling,” Liyabona Dyulethe, another newcomer, said.
Check out some pictures from this year’s Savanna Newcomer Showcase below:
